While Suicidal Tendencies never rose to the level of metal’s “Big Four” (Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax), they were definitely high up on the next tier with bands like Testament, Exodus and Overkill. Suicidal was a late entry into the thrash metal genre, as their roots were more in the hardcore punk scene. But, albums like How Will I Laugh Tomorrow and Lights, Camera..Revolution cemented Suicidal in thrash history.

I always appreciated the punk roots of Suicidal, as they brought a style to the thrash scene that few other bands did. Combined with the unmistakable vocals of Mike Muir, they were a band that had their own sound, and could stand toe to toe with anyone else.

Suicidal has broken up a few times and changed members over the years, and they haven’t been as active as some of the other 80s bands like Megadeth and Slayer. In fact, it had been thirteen years since their last studio album when they released the aptly titled 13 a couple months back.My review can be summed up by the quote Mike Muir exclaims in the album’s first song--Suicidal’s back!What a pleasant surprise this album is. From start to finish, 13 is full of energy, catchy riffs, great melodies and that skater punk vibe that Suicidal has always been known for. From the opening tune “Shake it Out,” to the finisher “This World,” 13 is a great listen. it’s a complete record, with no throw away songs, and a consistent feel all the way through. I couldn’t be happier with it. And like most great albums, it gets better with every listen. When you start to listen past Mike Muir’s vocals, you can really start to appreciate how great guitarists Dean Pleasants and Nico Santora, bassist Steve Brunner and drummer Eric Moore are. All of them are outstanding on the entire album--Moore especially.

If you’re a Suicidal Tendencies fan from back in the day, absolutely pick this one up. It’s a worthy return for one of the best metal bands to come out of the 80s.

4 out of 5 Cyco Mikos

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